Phoenix Island Ocean Star Resort

The convenient location was the only reason we stayed, since we were going to a wedding at the Mint restaurant next door. Looking back, I’d have stayed farther away and sorted out a taxi. This place was a complete joke, awful in every way. It felt like a horror movie, and I half expected to be abducted and tortured. We made the best of it and got some laughs out of the mess. You could probably party as much as you like since nobody seems to be around to complain, and even if someone did, there’d be no one to complain to. Please don’t stay here. A few specifics: there were no full-size towels, and I couldn’t work out how to turn on the AC. It’s a building entirely made up of Airbnbs, not a hotel. The kitchen had nothing but some strange, dirty, grandma-looking teacups.

This property may have been amazing decades ago, but now it’s falling apart and looked almost abandoned. There wasn’t a clean spot anywhere: the lobby, corridors, elevators, dishes, bed, and slippers in the room were all filthy. Someone needs to buy the place and restore it. Until that happens, stay next door at the Phoenix Island Resort.

Don’t be fooled by the Google or Air BnB photos, and please don’t stay here. The lack of upkeep was obvious as soon as we drove up, and the outside gave a pretty clear idea of what we’d find inside. There was little cleaning and no care; the carpet and wallpaper were awful and peeling in many places. Our room in D building was run-down and unkempt, and not suitable for families with children. We didn’t stay in it.

For $275 from March 31st-April 4th, I think we got what we paid for. The rooms were big and clean, and the view was amazing. If you want a budget stay with a good view and can put up with the problems, it may be worth the price. The outside looked like a post-apocalyptic movie set, old and badly kept. It gave me the impression of a failed business they’re trying to squeeze a few more dollars from. The bathroom bidet was heated, but most functions didn’t work and some buttons were broken. The A/C wouldn’t cool properly and kept switching off. The host offered to send someone on day three, but we were leaving the next day and didn’t bother. I couldn’t see a clothes dryer anywhere, so be ready to dry laundry elsewhere or risk it smelling sour.